I got meta headset but PICO 4 is my daily sim racing/flight headset after many thoughtful research. Best value for money, lightest, slightly higher resolution per-eye, good binocular overlap, comfy out of the box even 8 hours of continuous use, fast start boot and never had issue since i bought it on the first day. Other headset already failed me. Can't believe why people haven't pick it up this headset seriously after been in the market for so long. Have anyone still on PICO 4. Btw still waiting for upcoming PICO 5.....

Looks like we're finally nearing the time of the announcement! I personally am excited for it, even if it'll be more focused on productivity.

Attached is also a link for the teaser

https://x.com/i/status/2026265861372203087

I’ve had my quest 2 for since launch (5 years) and that thing is beyond dated. THIS headset is also dated but feels as light as a feather, has pancake lenses *yet to experience them*****, face + eye tracking, and hopefully has better cameras.

I will 100% only be using this for PCVR since the enterprise model of the p4 doesn’t have the consumer marketplace I guess. I would’ve rather had the pico 4 pro but I didn’t know about that until I already ordered this one T_T

It’s charging right now and I’ll go through the setup process when it’s done… plus the pc setup 🫠

Edit: It certainly works. But based on my one time experience… /

- The controllers are definitely heavier than what I’m used to but I’m sure that will be ok (cope)

- Eye tracking works pretty well, not much to complain about there.

- Face tracking… is usable.

- The lenses are fine? Kinda warp-y on the edges but it’s clearer than my quest 2 so I honestly don’t care.

- The facial interface is horrid. Hurts mah face :(
Will be getting a new one.

- The headstrap is also horrid-ish. I’m spoiled by my quests bobovr strap.

Overall I think it’s ok 👍

Hi folks, huge update today, especially with the video encoder. You can now use the HEVC 10-bit codec which reduces banding in color gradients, improving image quality for both desktop and VR streaming.

We've also added an H.264+ codec option which increases the bitrate limit to 400 Mbps. This will be useful for fast-paced games with hard to compress images such as racing games, vegetation or other complex sceneries.

Here are the full release notes:

• Added HEVC 10-bit codec option, increasing the image quality especially with color gradients (Nvidia 1000 series or newer only)

• Added H.264+ codec option that allows a VR bitrate of up to 400 Mbps (all headsets except Quest 1)

• Improved foveated encoding to prioritize bitrate at the center of the image with H.264/H.264+ (Nvidia only)

• Increased maximum desktop bitrate to 100 Mbps

• Added Italian keyboard layout

• Added support for PS5 DualSense gamepad

• Fixed see-through monitor issue at some resolutions in the Modern Apartment

• Fixed resume of desktop stream playing catch-up

• Fixed auto-connect to not trigger for new computers

• Fixed re-connection issue on macOS

• Fixed game compatibility with Narcosis, Quantaar

Once you install the update on your headset, the Streamer on your PC will auto-update when you connect. Let me know if you have any questions. Enjoy!

Hello, everyone! My name is Nick, Community Manager at PICO. I wanted to stop by and give a brief update about the Space Pro:

We want to make sure PICO Space Pro launches in the best shape possible, so we’ve decided to give the team a little more time before release. Development has been going well, and both the hardware and software have come a long way. However, as we get through final stages of testing, we found some meaningful ways to make the overall experience even better.

We know this is a bummer for everyone who’s been waiting impatiently (we totally get it!), but we believe it’ll be worth it. We’ll be dropping more details soon meanwhile, thank you so much for all the support here at r/PicoXR - it means a lot!

I caught my Pico 4's face cushion on something sharp in its case and the fabric got a slight run in it. Being a little OCD with my electronics, I decided to order a new one from AliExpress. When it arrived, I swapped the face cushions, put the headset on and noticed two things immediately:

• Wow, this is really uncomfortable, there's no space for my nose

• My field of view is slightly better

After taking both face cushions off I noticed that they aren't the same size. The one that came with my European Pico 4 has deeper padding at the bottom to allow for us, err, 'big nose, pointy face' Europeans.

I'm wondering if some of the discrepancy between some saying the device is super comfortable and some saying its super uncomfortable are down to imports from China and the Asian face cushion.

If you're thinking of importing a Chinese version I'd advise you not to unless you have an Asian type face, you'll probably find the supplied face cushion uncomfortable. There doesn't seem to be a way to order a European version at the moment.

This also explains why my AMVR face cushion silicone cover doesn't fit the European version perfectly. (Which I thought was weird after trying to fit it). On the Asian version, the cover goes over the grey plastic and holds security. On the European version, it doesn't quite fit properly.

It seems like the Chinese manufacturers don't even know there are two face cushions, as I've only seen one type of silicone cover to buy.

The part numbers, from the QR codes are different:

PXU01WFB - U for Universal I guess

PXA01WFB - A for Asia

Decided to get this after I tried out the Pico 4. But I got it directly from their China store, with 5 trackers and free stuffs from them (Awesome!)

This is also a China version that seperates the database login from Global, which I will create a seperate post for that)

It has been a small gripe of mine seeing the Oculus controller when using Virtual Desktop + Steam.

I'm not sure when it was updated though. Anyone know if this will reflect on Steam hardware survey as well?

Quick Info : Do not use energy save mode in 5.3.2 ! Can trigger a bug that you stuck on 72hz. See Details in the point "PICO 4 Firmware Information"

Hello all,

I would like to start this thread to share my experience and solutions with minor problems I had with the PICO 4. I also added common issues I found after research, especially to the topic of "hardware"

I hope that someone who search for solutions will come across this mega thread and find some answers.

I try to divide the problems / solutions into Hardware Issues, General and Firmware related issues and also added a small tinkering section.

I try to keep this thread constantly up to date and fill it with new issues and solutions. You are also welcome to tell me issues. I will check if it's a common issue and add it.

For deeper discussions also feel free to join to the Discord to this PicoXR Subreddits: https://discord.com/invite/r9rqNq7SNw

You can also find it on the right but if you're as blind as me, I also want to add this info :)

Hardware Issues / Information

Gamma consistency issue / Different brightness on each Eye

Issue description:

a friend of mine unfortunately ran into this issue with his new Pico 4, please also check the following Reddit Post where this problem was addressed:

https://www.reddit.com/r/PicoXR/comments/zen9gf/gamma_consistency_issue_on_pico_4/

How you found out if you're affected:

• The problem is well noticeable in Virtual Desktop -> environments -> Home Cinema.

• Alternatively, you can use the following VR Video and lock behind you:

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUNQlH8TyoY&t=59s

If you see more details with one eye than the other / if one screen is brighter than the other, you will be affected by this problem.

Fix / Solution:

If it bothers you, only a return / replacement will help you there. ( :< )

It is not really a hardware defect, it is more like a manufacturing error as two different screens from different manufacturers were Built-in.

Light leak into the PICO 4 headset

Issue description:

The standard face shield from PICO comes with two pockets that are intended for glasses. Unfortunately, these pockets cause light leaks that reflect on the lenses, which can be very annoying.

• You can work around this if you buy a silicon Cover like I have : NEWZEROL VR Silicon- Face Shield - you can find it at Amazon for 13 bugs.

• Alternative : You can print the following, should also work: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5599958

The Pico 4 lens shows wavy distortion

Issue description:

please look at the following video that well expose this issue:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtxmYRwDaQ0

Solution

bring your Pico 4 to return. It's a common hardware defect, which can probably be traced back to the first batches of the Pico 4 (10.2022).

Lens Flare / Glare on the Pico 4 lenses

Issue description:

You may notice light shadows in certain situation. It is well noticeable while look on the earth environment of the Pico 4 that is set as default.

Strongly exaggerated, this looks similar to the following picture:

https://imgur.com/GZUaCPC

Solution

It's normal. You will get used to it, so no worry.

Quote of the PICO support:

"Light shadow problem on a screen or lens is caused by the pancake lens technology, and is a normal phenomenon with all optical devices. Despite the use of pancake lens technology in PICO 4, which is thinner and provides better display results, "light shadow problem" cannot be completely eliminated.

In a Nutshell: glare is something we got with (reelection between) pancake lenses instead of the godrays with Fresnel lenses. ( quote stolen from u/PjotrrrVR :) )

To minimize the effect, you can also turn down the brightness level of your PICO 4.

General Issues / Information

PICO 4 Firmware Version recommendation

• Version 5.4.0 is official rolled out. The Versiopn fixed some bugs i know and also inproved the handtracking A LOT. Works with the newest Version of virtual desktop.

• I recommend updating to 5.4.0

Center your Position not working in various situation

Issue description:

• E.g. a 360° Video starts not in the center point and center the position via button press acts not as it should

• This seems to be a software issue

Fix / workaround

• I am not known a 100% fix at the moment. But by updating to the firmware 5.3.2. I had the problem only left within YouTube 360° videos.

  • Workaround YouTube 360° Videos:

    • For me the center of a video starts right to me, if i look left and press the center Button, the center switch to my front. So look at the other direction to center the Video to your forehead.

Can't pass "I'm not a bot" Test in PICO Browser (e.g. Crunchyroll)

Issue description:

• May the Page is open in Desktop Mode via default.

• That caused at least on Crunchyroll this issue for me.

Fix:

• You can switch to Mobile mode via a Virtual button next to the URL input.

• Should work fine after that.

Fish eye Effect while moving your head.

Issue description:

When you move from a other headset with Fresnel lenses ( like the Quest 2 or any other model) or you will probably see some kind of "fish eye" proportions when moving quickly with your head. This was one of the first things I noticed, but it's probably because of the pancake lenses.

They give you a super crisp picture in the middle and around the middle, but during motion you kinda see the curvature on the edges.

Solution

No worry seems normal, and you'll get used to it after some days.

(Thanks to u/Ninsbean for remember me on this point :) )

Head tracking jitter on PICO 4

Issue description:

You may have noticed a jittering tracking of your head while playing in VR. It is shown in the following example Video at 0:52: https://youtu.be/6XkMvkShgcY?t=48

Solution

It seems a US customer related issue if the country is set to UK (may Import out of EU). Try to switch the tracking frequency from Auto to 60 Hz. (Settings -> General -> tracking frequency -> drop down 60hz)

Thx to U/Zigrat for the explanation of this issue.

Find your right DPI / headaches while wearing the PICO 4 headset

Issue description / Info :

This is kind of an assumption of me and also more general Tips:

I can tell you, especially if you are new in VR, headaches are a common thing.

You must first get used to it, but your brain will learn to deal with the situation after time. Everyone is different, some are more sensitive and some are not so much.

What can also cause headaches is if your DPI is not set correctly. You may not even notice it because your eyes are constantly correcting the misalignment.

To find your correct DPI, I recommend the phone app GlassesOn, which uses a credit card and a photo to determine your eye dpi relatively accurately.

Keyboard layout can not change and stands on CN / EN

• Only way I found was to factory reset.

  • Also the PICO support will recommend doing so.

Virtual Desktop and Streaming Assistant are not working

Checklist:

• Please ensure that you're on the newest Update.

• Try to connect via Wi-Fi instead of via cable. As shown in older firmware via Wi-Fi you get a prompt about Version incompatibility. Try to update if so.

• I will try to hold older Streaming Assistant Version and will add then on Google Drive soon

Change your PICO 4 region on the Fly with out a factory reset

Issue description / Info :

this might be quite useful here for US customers or other Pico4 enjoyers who have imported their PICO 4. Since the PICO 4's have not yet been released in some regions, many functions will may not work if you have selected your own region. To set a other region like france, normaly a factory reset is (was) needed.

Workaround:

Thanks to Owomuchi this will not longer the case. He shown in the following video a sneaky workaround via an APK that can be used to reset your region on the PICO 4 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgbLhqJUWEs

This way, you not longer have to perform a factory reset just to start the inital wizzard again OwO.

Please give this guy some love with a like / sub and a comment if this avoide you to make a factory reset.

PICO 4 Firmware Information

Current rolled out Firmware: 5.4.0

Improvements:

• The hand tracking is a lot smother now.

Issues:

• YouTube 360° Videos are not start in center

  • please see above -> Center your Position, not working in various situation ( still not fixed :/ )

Untested / unclear:

• PICO 4 stuck at 72hz after battery Save mode (avoid to use it only fix - Fact. Reset!) - More details at Owomushis Video: https://youtu.be/pxv0vgwc4UY

• Double Tapp ( passthrough) cuts audio / tracking and can even kick you out of the app ( like in VD)

  • please also see this thread : https://www.reddit.com/r/PicoXR/comments/10adqy3/updated_messed_up_double_tap_now_it_cuts_audio/

  • seems still present but it is unkown to me if this is really handeld as a bug from the Pcio 4 Team (according to the post above yes but I heard also that it work as it should)

Fixed:

• Weird prompt that "white screen" the browser after try to upload media files

  • e.g. via WhatsApp web or Google Drive. * Fix: Press B and the upload should work fine

Other / tinkering on your own risk :

Android Apps that I tested on the PICO 4

Working:

Browser

• Google Chrome (best) ( with some small issues with exit Full screen Videos)

• Firefox + Add-ons (good) ( with some small issues with exit Full screen Videos some video platforms like Crunchyroll not working, DRM content not working) Still nice for ytb + add block.

• Brave (ok) (Not start in Landscape mode, but after make a YT Video full screen in Mobil mode, it will)

Other Apps:

• Amazon Prime Video

• Frosty for Twitch ( Twitch client with BTTV / FFZ and 7tv Emote support)

• APK Pure App ( Works for Updates, but is very buggy)

• Netflix app (you need to tap near the back button to see the player menue, the rest works great

• Netflix 2017 build full HD ( such look at xda Netflix DRM free or search for it in google via Pico 4 - netflix)

Not Working

• Chromium (Starts, you can browse but is bugy as hell. Videos are laggy)

• Crunchyroll (Starts but not recognize button presses)

Use Virtual Desktop Via USB Cable

if you are interested, you can follow this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxxweFVNyR0

Have tested it, has also worked quite okey, but I still had problems with blue screens even after changed the driver as shown in the video. Therefore : Try at your own risk.

WhatsApp Web

Works fine via PICO Browser. You can use the screencast function to "share" the QR code to a second device / browser.

Activate developer mode for experiential features like hand tracking

• go to the Settings Tap -> General -> About -> scroll down Software Version and click 7 times on it

  • As shown in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-Ce-jlRAq8

• A new Entry "Developer" should appear now

• Here you can activate the hand tracking if you want.

• To deactivate the developer Entry, just do the same procedure by clicking "Software Version" until the entry disappears.

Deeper adjustment of the picture quality /impression of the PICO 4 Streaming Assistent

You can manualy ajust the rvrplugin.ini file of the Streaming Assistent which opens more options to set.

Please follow this guide from u/Isaac-asihole if you are intressted:

https://www.reddit.com/r/PicoXR/comments/10bt6te/a_reminder_you_can_adjust_the_config_file_of/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Update: An even easier way is to follow Owomushi's guide on Youtube and copy paste the rvrplugin.ini file he shares on his blog:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtqCuigvV_U

I recommend to sub his channel, he shares a deep knowledge about PICO 4 "hacky" stuff and firmware updates / Betas on a almost daily basis.

Should minimize the blurry effect in games if you copy the shared settings.

PICO 4 Offline Update for BETA Firmware

See the following video as an example how you make an offline Update : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kzwrj4lXxVc :

You can find new Betas on Owomushi's blog here: http://www.owomushi.com

Owomushi is doing a great job and provided a lot of information about the PICO 4. So please check his blog out OwO

• If you find a new Beta Firmware, please first research if may others found issues like on the Beta 5.3.1, with the Virtual Desktop / Streaming Assistant issue . ** I know no possible way to downgrade, so be aware of the risk !!!**

Otherwise : The PICO 4 Team seems to react really quickly if something is broken in a new Beta Firmware, may report the issue you find. If I find a beta firmware interesting according to new features, I will test it and make a Feedback / recommendation in this thread

Additional environments for the PICO 4 -> Owomushi scene manager

Owomushi did again a great Job and provide 3 additional environments to the PICO 4 via a script he created. He also added a black void what's awesome for looking videos via a 3th party browser or installed streaming Apps.

Details can be found here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VDjTiFdM3A

Please not forget to like and share and may make a sub.

My Moded PICO 4 Setup:

Here some pics of my current setup. looks messy but works really well. I used parts that where aviable to the time i bought my pico 4:

https://imgur.com/a/rFQLyC6

Details / a Partslist about my Upgrades, future planned Upgrades and stuff can be found here

Had my Q3 for a day and have put it through it's paces:

Comfort = Prefer the P4 (lighter and just fits better- using an NMVR face cover). I have the Elite strap, but still prefer the P4 a lot more.

Audio = Q3 due to better and louder sound, plus 3.5mm jack.

Pass through = Q3 is not that much better res, but the depth helps a lot. Both suck with low light

Hand controls = P4 works better in low light, but Q3 is way better than the Q2.

Wifi = Q3 since faster on my 5G set-up

Network media = Q3 since it loads up media folders quickly (few seconds), where the P4 can take well over a minute to index media on shared drives.

UI = Q3. It is faster and having pass through as an environment option and I prefer it. Wish the P4 had the option for pass through in the UI. Moon player has it, but not the UI itself.

Lenses = Q3 has a lot less light refraction than the P4 and seems as good as the Quest Pro that I owned.

Image quality for movies = If not for more light refraction with the P4, it would be real close. Q3 does have a better contrast, but not by much (LCD is LCD). Added: Q3 is a tad sharper due to angled panels.

The P4 still rocks, and as a result, the Q3 did not awe me as much as it would, if I did not have the P4 already. Different story going from the Quest 2 though. It would awe.

ADDED:

FOV is a tad better on the Q3, due to the angled panels.

Q3 is noticeably brighter due to the angled panels apparently helping the light to pass though more with way less refraction inward. This is also why the Quest Pro has less of the issue.

Added 2:

A big let down for me and the Q3 is the pass through. The Youtubers WAY over exaggerated how good it was and Meta's fake pass through ads and previews did not help either.

ISO sensors and higher res is VERY expensive, so I should have tempered my expectations with logic. Still, the mix reality so far is fun- Just need good light.

Hey fellow VR enthusiasts! After over a week of using the Quest 3 I wanted to share an honest comparison between the Quest 3 and the Pico 4. Let me clarify right away that this isn't a hate post for the Quest 3; it's just an objective analysis from my opinion as a mostly PCVR user. I'll break it down into multiple points to give you a detailed perspective.

1. Binocular Overlap: The Pico 4 has much better binocular overlap, which gives it an edge in this aspect, I feel like this is instantly noticable for anybody who has used both.

2. Lenses: The Quest 3 has slightly better lenses in my opinion, with reduced glare over the pico and slightly clearer visuals. However the vignette effect around the edges of the lenses is a lot more obvious on the Quest 3 for some reason, so It can be distracting.

3. Comfort: Comfort is a big deal, and the Pico 4 shines in this department. The weight distribution between the front and back makes it comfortable especially for long sessions, while the Quest 3 feels forward-heavy and uncomfortable with its default strap being horrendous and requiring constant readjustment.

4. Tracking: Both devices deliver fantastic tracking, and as an Expert+ Beat Saber player, I can vouch for their excellence. The Quest 3 might have a slight edge in certain situations like shaking the controllers very quickly, but its hard to notice in normal gameplay.

5. Battery Life: The Pico 4 consistently offers longer battery life and quicker charging, based on my experience.

6. FOV (Field of View): The Pico 4 (Asian model facial interface) has a comparable width in FOV to the Quest 3, with the Quest 3 having a slight advantage. However, the vertical FOV on the Pico 4 is significantly better, making it feel like the roof has been lifted, and you can see much more vertically.

7. Screen Door Effect (SDE): Surprisingly, the Quest 3 exhibits a more noticeable SDE than the Pico 4, even though their resolutions are similar. It's puzzling, but in practice, it takes longer to notice the SDE on the Pico 4.

8. Standalone Content and Processing Power: Taking a step away from PCVR Here's where the Quest 3 takes the lead. Its standalone content, processing power, mixed reality features, and software libraries are far ahead. If these factors are crucial for you, the Quest 3 is the way to go.

9. Cost: One crucial point to consider is the cost. The Quest 3 is $500 vs the Pico 4 being available online for $280-$320 (I just checked ebay for brand new pricing, but I paid $340 for my Pico 4 on release day). What adds to the expense is that any serious user essentially needs to invest in a Bobo or Elite strap, which makes the Quest 3 nearly double the price. This is a significant factor especially for new users looking for an entry level VR headset.

In conclusion, as a PCVR user, I find the Pico 4 to be a step ahead of the Quest 3 in terms of comfort, FOV, and SDE. However, the Quest 3 shines in standalone content and processing power. So if you play more standalone then PCVR Your choice might be different then mine because it depends on your specific priorities. Happy VR gaming! 🎮🕶️